The 50% FEMA Appraisal Rule

This product is a recording of the Appraisal Institute webinar that was conducted on March 25, 2015.

Once the Appraisal Institute confirms your payment, you will receive an e-mail containing a link to the webinar recording.

Please note: The interactive features of the webinar (e.g. poll/survey questions and the final evaluation) are NOT available in the recording. Appraisal Institute continuing education credit is NOT available for viewing the recording.

Attendees will acquire basic knowledge of flood zones and base flood elevations, and how they impact real estate in coastal areas. Particular emphasis will be on the 50% FEMA rule, also known as the substantial damage rule. The 50% rule is the specific damage assessment guideline established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and is widely used by coastal communities which participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

This webinar help appraisers to correctly establish the depreciated market value of the improvements. Brokers will learn the responsibility they have to advise their clients properly before making purchase decisions. Construction professionals can use the information when planning to renovate or make additions. Lenders will find the content valuable for making building finance decisions.

Some of the specific questions that will be addressed are:

What are flood zones and base flood elevations? How does the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS) operate?

What is the 50% FEMA Rule and what are its components? What can and cannot be included in a valuation under this rule? What are some valuation examples of the rule?